art & design laboratory

PROCESS

PITCHInitial ideation and exploration including rough sketches and a basic project scope. Ideas could be inspired by materials, technologies, manufacturing processes, collaboration efforts, new product categories, or personal passions. Deliverables for this stage are a selective mix of the following: idea's name, why, sketch, mood, keywords or target market.

PLANConcept and opportunity clearly identified, Often a quick 'paper' prototype is useful for communicating the concept. Integral to the pitch is a detailed plan, including methodologies for how to test and validate the project along the way. Key points to establish at this stage are; What is the value proposition? What do we know already? What do we need to find out and what resources we need to find those things out? Deliverables for the plan should include a trello board, a Lean canvas business plan, timeline with key moments identified, summary deck/slideshow.

PROGRESS & PROVEUsing the plan to develop and validate the concept. This stage will involve several iterations and validation steps, with rounds of prototyping and CAD development. Other elements such as, packaging design, graphic design, user interface, durability, manufacturability, repairability, branding, sales, pricing and business plan will all need to be considered and resolved - often at the expense of each other. This stage is very much about balancing those elements in harmony with the project's value proposition. It is important to remember at this stage that the plan may change and evolve but should remain true to the essence of the project.

PROMOTEThe final step of the process is the push to press and promotion effort. How will we launch the product or project, how will we measure its success? What is the breakeven sales point? What blog tier are we aiming for? Would an event make sense? Giveaway programs?